Single-reel zonal lacing system for winter sports boots

ABSTRACT

A single-reel zonal lacing system comprises a reel mechanism fixed to the upper, for example, the cuff or the tongue, and a separate cable for each zone. In a two-zone embodiment, a first cable engages the reel and extends across the elongate opening at least twice, and engages a multi-position retainer at an intermediate location. A second cable engages the reel and also extends across the elongate opening in at least two places. The cables are configured to be tensioned by the reel mechanism, and the effective length of the first cable is determined in part by the selected engagement position on the multi-position retainer, such that the relative tension in two zones may be adjusted. In one embodiment, only one end of the cables engage the reel mechanism, and the opposite end is anchored to the upper. In another embodiment, both ends of the cables engage the reel mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/007,047, filed Jun. 3, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The construction of sports boots, and, in particular, boots for winter sports, has been evolving over time. Sports boots often present a large number of competing objectives that a designer must consider. Low weight, comfort, responsiveness, ease of entry/egress, durability, and ruggedness are all priorities. Sports boots are typically worn and actively in use for extended periods, requiring that the boots be comfortable. However, in many applications and especially in boots for snow/winter sports, the boots must also be responsive to the user, and configured such that attached sports equipment, for example, skis, snowboards, and the like, can be readily and precisely controlled. Also, because sports boots are typically subjected to rigorous usage and difficult environments, it is important that they be constructed ruggedly and for endurance.

Sports boots are typically secured to the user with a lacing or cable system. A typical cable system, for example, utilizes a cable that is slidably disposed through rigid cable keepers installed on either side of the boot elongate opening, and optionally through guides installed on the boot tongue. A tightening mechanism having a spool is attached to the boot, for example, on the tongue or ankle portion of the upper, and the cable is attached to the spool to permit ready tightening and loosening of the cable. The tightening mechanism is located on a portion of the boot that can be easily accessed by the user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,599, to Hammerslag, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a cable-type lacing system wherein the tightening mechanism is externally disposed on the back of the boot upper. Another particular embodiment of a spooling cable-type lacing system with a snow sports boot is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,947, to Martin et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. Such systems, however, require a suitable external surface for mounting the tightening mechanism.

The boot elongate opening typically extends along most of the length of the boot from near the toe end of the boot, over the user's instep, and then curves upwardly along the user's ankle and lower tibia. The lacing system, therefore, secures and tightens the lower portion of the boot over the user's foot, and also secures and tightens the cuff of the boot over the user's ankle. Often, however, the user may wish to control the tension of the lacing system over the foot independently of the tension in the boot cuff. Such zonal tightening would allow the user, for example, to selectively apply a very close fitting around the upper ankle to improve board control and responsiveness, without the lower portion of the boot being uncomfortable, and then adjusting the tightness of one zone to accommodate, for example, climbing activities.

Independent lacing systems, including multiple cable systems with separate reels, have been proposed. In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0029404, to Weaver, II et al., disclose an ankle brace having two separate reel-type cable lacing systems, the first controlling the tightness around the user's foot, and the second independently controlling the tightness around the user's ankle However, such solutions are bulky, expensive, and introduce additional failure modes.

Sports boots are typically worn for extended periods and are subject to vigorous use by the user. It is important to improve the comfort and responsiveness of the boot, both to enable the user to continue for extended periods, and to optimize performance in a competitive environment.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A single-reel zonal lacing system includes a reel mechanism that is attached to a boot upper, a first multi-position retainer also fixed to the upper, a first cable having a proximal end operably connected to the reel mechanism, and a second cable also operably connected to the reel mechanism. The first cable extends across a first portion of the elongate entry opening of the boot upper, and engages the multi-position retainer at a selectable position, to adjust the operable length of the first cable. The second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate opening. The first and second cables are configured such that tensioning the cables with the reel mechanism will urge the corresponding portions of the elongate opening towards a closed position. The relative tension between the two cables is controlled by the selected position on the multi-position retainer.

In an embodiment, the first portion of the elongate opening is in the foot portion of the upper and the second portion of the elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.

In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is anchored to the upper at a location away from the reel mechanism.

In another embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is operably attached to the reel mechanism.

In an embodiment, the multi-position retainer comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts, and the first cable further includes an engagement tab that is configured to engage any one of the shaped posts.

In another embodiment, the multi-position retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.

In an embodiment, a second multi-position retainer is fixed to the upper at a position opposite the first multi-position retainer, and configured to be selectably engaged by the first cable.

In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end anchored to the upper on a first side of the elongate opening, and extends across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engages a guide fixed to the upper on the second side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a second time, and engages the multi-position retainer on the first side of the elongate opening.

In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that engages the reel mechanism, and extends from the distal end to selectively engage a first multi-position retainer on a first side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engages a first guide on a second side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a second time, engages a second guide on the first side of the elongate opening; extends across the elongate opening a third time, and engages a second multi-position retainer on the second side of the elongate opening.

In an embodiment, the reel mechanism is fixed to the cuff or to the tongue of the upper.

A sports boot comprises an upper having a foot portion, a cuff, an elongate opening, a tongue, and a single-reel zonal lacing system fixed to the upper. The zonal lacing system comprises a locking reel mechanism, a first multi-position retainer fixed to the upper on a first side of the elongate opening, a first cable having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the first cable to change an operable length of the first cable, and a second portion configured to engage the first multi-position retainer at any one of a plurality of user-selectable positions, and a second cable having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the second cable to change an operable length of the second cable. The first cable extends across a first portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the first cable with the locking reel mechanism urges the first portion of the elongate opening towards a closed position, and the second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the second cable with the locking reel mechanism urges the second portion of the elongate opening towards the closed position.

In an embodiment, the first portion of the elongate opening is in the foot portion of the upper.

In an embodiment, the second portion of the elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.

In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is anchored to the upper away from the reel mechanism.

In another embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is attached to the reel mechanism.

In an embodiment, the first multi-position retainer comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts.

In another embodiment, the first multi-position retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.

In an embodiment, a second multi-position retainer is fixed to the upper opposite the first multi-position retainer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front-left perspective view of a winter sports boot having a single-reel zonal tightening system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front-right perspective view of the boot shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail view showing an embodiment of an adjustable secondary latch assembly for the boot shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the zonal lacing system for the boot shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a winter sports boot having a single-reel zonal tightening system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the zonal lacing system for the boot shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A front-left perspective view of a winter sports boot 100 with a single-reel zonal tightening system 110, in accordance with the present invention, is shown in FIG. 1. The boot includes a sole 102 secured to an upper 104 having an elongate opening 106 extending from the toe portion of the boot 100 to the upper end of the cuff 108. A boot tongue 109 is disposed along the elongate opening 106. A front-right perspective view of the boot 100 is shown in FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, the zonal tightening system 110 includes a reel mechanism 120 (FIG. 2) attached to the boot cuff 108 that engages a first cable 130 and also engages a separate second cable 140. A plurality of optional lace keepers 112 are fixed to the tongue (four shown), for positioning and guiding the cables 130, 140. An end keeper 113 may also be provided to engage the first cable 130. Lace guides 107, which are well-known in the art, are integrated into the upper 104 to guide and facilitate sliding of the cables 130, 140.

The first cable 130 has an anchored end 132 secured near the toe end of the upper 104. The anchored end 132 may be constructed in any conventional manner. For example, the first cable 130 may extend through a guide that is fixed to the upper 104, and be provided with an enlarged end to prevent the cable 130 from being pulled through the guide. Alternatively, a rivet or other fastening device may secure the distal end of the cable 130 to the upper 104. Other securement means are known in the art, for example a wired, stapled, soldered, or otherwise coated end.

The first cable 130 extends from the anchored end 132 crossing the elongate opening 106, passing through the end keeper 113 to a guide 107 fixed in the upper 104 along the lower end of the elongate opening 106. The first cable 130 exits the other end of the guide 107 disposed a distance toward the cuff 108 and crosses the elongate opening 106 again, passing through a lace keeper 112 secured to the tongue 109. The first cable may optionally be configured to cross the elongate opening one or more additional times. The first cable 130 continues through another lace guide 107 that guides the cable 130 towards a retaining rack 150 secured to the upper 104. An engagement tab 134 attached to the first cable 130 is configured to engage the retaining rack 150 at a selectable position, as described in more detail below (and shown in FIG. 3).

The first cable 130 then extends across the elongate opening 106 again, passing through another keeper 112, and enters a guide 107 that directs the first cable 130 towards the reel mechanism 120 (seen most clearly in FIG. 2). The first cable 130 engages the reel mechanism 120, which is configured to allow the user to reel in the first cable 130, thereby adjusting the effective length of the first cable 130 (and therefore the tension in the first cable 130). The user selectively locks the reel mechanism 120 to retain the first cable 130 at a desired position, in the conventional manner.

The second cable 140 also includes an anchored end 142, which in this embodiment is near the top-right side of the elongate opening 106, such that the anchored end 142 is attached to the cuff 108. The second cable 140 extends across the elongate opening 106, passing through a keeper 112, and enters a guide 107 on the opposite side of the elongate opening 106. The second cable 140 continues through a guide 107 and extends across the elongate opening 106 a second time, passing through another keeper 112. The second cable 140 (and upper) may be configured such that the second cable 140 extends across the elongate opening 106 one or more additional times. The second cable 140 then enters a guide 107 that guides the second cable 140 towards the reel mechanism 120 (see FIG. 2). The second cable 140 operably engages the reel mechanism 120.

Therefore, one end of each cable 130, 140 is operably connected to the reel mechanism 120. The cables 130, 140 may therefore be tensioned simultaneously using the single-reel mechanism 120. However, the path length of the first cable 130 is independently selectable by the user by the selective placement of the engagement tab 134 in the rack 150.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the boot 100, showing the rack 150 mounted to the upper 104. The rack 150 in this embodiment includes a mounting flange 154 for mounting the rack 150 to the upper 104. The rack 150 may be mounted by stitching, adhesive, rivets, or the like, including combinations of fastening means. The rack 150 includes a plurality of spaced-apart shaped posts 152 (three shown) that are shaped and positioned to receive and releasably retain the engagement tab 134 fixed to the first cable 130. Although three posts 152 are shown, it is contemplated that more or fewer than three posts 152 may be provided. The user, therefore, simply grasps the engagement tab 134 and positions it to engage the desired post 152.

FIG. 4 illustrates the zonal tightening system 110 schematically. The first zone in this embodiment secures the foot portion of the upper 104. It includes the first cable 130 that is retained by the anchored end 132, and extends across the elongate opening 106 multiple times. The first cable 130 includes an engagement tab 134 that engages the rack 150. The proximal end of the first cable 130 extends into the reel mechanism 120.

The second zone in this embodiment secures the cuff 108. It includes the second cable 140 that is retained by the anchored end 142 and extends across the elongate opening 106 multiple times. The distal end of the second cable 140 engages the same reel mechanism 120 as the first cable 130.

The reel mechanism 120 acts on both cables 130, 140, and is configured such that the reel mechanism 120 reels in both cables simultaneously, thereby simultaneously tensioning both cables 130, 140. The reel mechanism 120 is then locked in position thereby retaining both cables 130 at the desired tension or length.

Prior to tightening the reel mechanism 120, the user positions the engagement tab 134 to engage any one of the plurality of posts 152. It will be clear that the relative tension in the first and second cables 130, 140 depends on which of the plurality of posts 152 is engaged by the engagement tab 134. For example, if the tab 134 engages the most distal post 152 of the rack 150 (i.e., such that the second cable 130 has a relatively long path length) then when the user tensions the cables 130, 140 with the reel mechanism 120, the tension in the first cable 130 will be higher than if the user positions the tab 134 to engage a more proximal post 152. Therefore, the user can independently control the relative tension between the two zones using a single-reel mechanism 120 system.

In another similar embodiment (not shown) the distal end of either the first or second cable 130, 140 is provided with the engagement tab. The engagement tab may comprise a ball, cylinder, or similar engagement piece. A rack having multiple engagement portions configured to receive the engagement tab is secured to the upper in a position to selectively receive the engagement tab. In this alternative embodiment, rather than securing the cable at an intermediate location along the cable, as illustrated in the first embodiment 110 above, the user selectively positions the engagement tab at the distal end of the cable to adjust the relative tension between the first and second cables 130, 140.

Another embodiment of a single-reel zonal lacing system 210, in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a front-left perspective view of a winter sports boot 200 having a single-reel zonal lacing system 210. The boot 200 includes a sole 202 secured to an upper 204. The upper 204 has an elongate opening 206 extending from a toe portion of the boot 200 to the upper end of the cuff 208. A tongue 209 is disposed along the elongate opening 206.

In this embodiment, the zonal tightening system 210 includes a reel mechanism 220 that is attached to the tongue 209. The reel mechanism 220 engages a first cable 230 and a second cable 240. In this embodiment, both ends of the cables 230, 240 engage the reel mechanism 220, as discussed below. See also FIG. 6 which illustrates schematically the zonal tightening system 210.

The first cable 230 has a first end 231 that is attached to the reel mechanism 220, and extends downwardly through a first lace keeper 212. A second portion 232 of the cable 230 extends outwardly (to the left, in FIG. 5) to selectively engage one of a first plurality of spaced-apart retaining members 250 fixed to the upper 204. The retaining members 250 comprise an outwardly facing channel that is sized to receive and retain the first cable 230. A pliable grip, for example, a fabric tab 236, is slidably disposed on the second portion 232 to facilitate positioning the cable 230 on the desired retaining member 250.

The first cable 230 continues across the elongate opening 206 passing through a second keeper 213, and through a guide 214 fixed to the upper 204. A third portion 233 of the first cable 230 extends across the elongate opening 206 at a location near the toe-end of the elongate opening 206 and passes through another guide 214 (FIG. 6), exiting the guide 214 at a location closer to the cuff 208. The first cable 230 crosses the elongate opening 206 again, passing through the second keeper 213. A fourth portion 234 of the second cable 230 engage spaced-apart retaining members 250 disposed on the opposite side of the upper 204 (FIG. 6), and then passes through the first keeper 212. The second end 235 of the first cable 230 extends upwardly to engage the reel mechanism 220.

The second cable 240 in this embodiment is configured to secure the cuff 208 of the boot 200. The second cable 240 includes a first end 241 that engages the reel mechanism 220, and extends outwardly to engage a guide 214 (FIG. 6), which is fixed to the upper 204. The second cable 240 exits the guide 214 at a lower position, and extends across the elongate opening 206, passing through the first keeper 212. The second cable 240 passes through a guide 214 on the opposite side of the elongate opening 206. A second end 245 of the cable 240 engages the reel mechanism 220.

Therefore, when the reel mechanism 220 is rotated to tighten the cables 230, 240, both ends of the first cable 230, and both ends 241, 245 of the second cable 240 are reeled in, tensioning the cables 230, 240. However, the relative tension between the two cables will be adjustable by the user, by selecting which of the retaining members 250 (on each side) to engage with the second portion 232 and fourth portion 234 of the first cable 230.

Therefore, the single-reel zonal tightening systems 110, 210 disclosed herein allow the user to control the tension in two different zones of the boot 100, 200 independently, using a single-reel mechanism 120, 220 system. The single-reel system is easier to operate than multiple-reel systems, is less expensive and easier to assemble, and is more reliable because it does not require multiple reels.

To use the single-reel zonal lacing systems 110, 210 described above, the user simply puts on the boot 100, 200, positions the first cable 130, 230 in a desired position on the retainer, e.g., the retaining rack 150 or retaining member 250, and tightens the cables with the reel mechanism 120, 220. The relative tension in the two zones is determined by the selected position on the multi-position retainer 150, 250, and the absolute tension is adjustable in the usual manner with the reel mechanism 220. If the user desires to change the relative tension in the zones, for example, if the user is switching between different activities, the user releases the tension in the cables in the usual manner, repositions the first cable about the multi-position retainer, and re-tensions the cables using the reel mechanism 220.

Although the currently preferred embodiments have been disclosed, it will be apparent to persons of skill in the art that the present invention may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the retaining rack and/or retaining members may be implemented using other known mechanisms for selectively retaining a member in different positions, for example, a channel and slide mechanism, snaps or hooks, buckles, or the like.

It is contemplated that more than two zones may be differentially tensioned with a single-reel system by using a separate cable for each zone, and at least one multi-position retainer for each additional zone. It will also be appreciated that the zones do not need to be contiguous. For example, the cables may be configured such that the first zone comprises the center portion of the elongate opening, and the second zone comprises the uppermost and lowermost portions of the elongate opening.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A single-reel zonal lacing system for a sports boot having an upper comprising a foot portion, a cuff, and a tongue disposed in an elongate opening defined by the upper, the lacing system comprising: a reel mechanism attached to the upper; a first multi-position retainer fixed to the upper; a first cable having a proximal end attached to the reel mechanism such that the reel mechanism is operable to adjust the tension in the first cable, and an intermediate portion configured to engage the first multi-position retainer at any one of a plurality of user-selectable positions; a second cable having a proximal end attached to the reel mechanism such that the reel mechanism is operable to adjust the tension in the second cable; wherein the first cable extends across a first portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the first cable with the reel mechanism urges the first portion of the elongate opening towards a closed position; and wherein the second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the second cable with the reel mechanism urges the second portion of the elongate opening towards the closed position.
 2. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the elongate opening is in the foot portion of the upper, and the second portion of the elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.
 3. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first cable has a distal end that is anchored to the upper away from the reel mechanism.
 4. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first cable has a distal end that is attached to the reel mechanism.
 5. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first multi-position retainer comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts.
 6. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 5, wherein the first cable further comprises an engagement tab that is configured to selectably engage any one of the plurality of shaped posts.
 7. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first multi-position retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.
 8. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a second multi-position retainer that is fixed to the upper opposite the first multi-position retainer.
 9. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first cable has a distal end anchored to the upper on a first side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engage a guide fixed to the upper on the second side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a second time, engages the multi-position retainer on the first side of the elongate opening.
 10. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the first cable has a distal end that engages the reel mechanism, extends from the distal end to selectively engage a first multi-position retainer on a first side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engages a first guide on a second side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a second time, engages a second guide on the first side of the elongate opening; extends across the elongate opening a third time, and engages a second multi-position retainer on the second side of the elongate opening.
 11. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the reel mechanism is fixed to the cuff.
 12. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the reel mechanism is fixed to the tongue.
 13. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lace keepers fixed to the tongue.
 14. A sports boot comprising: a sole fixed to an upper comprising a foot portion, a cuff, and a tongue disposed along an elongate opening defined by the upper; a single-reel zonal lacing system fixed to the upper the zonal lacing system comprising: a locking reel mechanism; a first multi-position retainer fixed to the upper on a first side of the elongate opening; a first cable having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the first cable to change an operable length of the first cable, and a second portion configured to engage the first multi-position retainer at any one of a plurality of user-selectable positions; a second cable having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the second cable to change an operable length of the second cable; wherein the first cable extends across a first portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the first cable with the locking reel mechanism urges the first portion of the elongate opening towards a closed position; and wherein the second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the second cable with the locking reel mechanism urges the second portion of the elongate opening towards the closed position.
 15. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the elongate opening is in the foot portion of the upper.
 16. The sports boot of claim 15, wherein the second portion of the elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.
 17. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first cable has a distal end that is anchored to the upper away from the reel mechanism.
 18. The sport boot of claim 14, wherein the first cable has a distal end that is attached to the reel mechanism.
 19. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first multi-position retainer comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts.
 20. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first multi-position retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.
 21. The sports boot of claim 20, further comprising a second multi-position retainer that is fixed to the upper opposite the first multi-position retainer. 